Komen Halts Breast Cancer Screening Grants to Planned Parenthood
The high-profile breast cancer fundraising organization Susan G. Komen For the Cure has announced that it is ending its association with Planned Parenthood, a decision the latter called "disturbing and disappointing."
Planned Parenthood' has provided several million breast cancer screenings at their clinics over the last five years, approximately 170,000 of which have been supported by grants made by Susan G. Komen.
However, according to the Associated Press, Susan G. Komen has decided to stop those grants and end the partnership, citing an ongoing congressional investigation into Planned Parenthood by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood, says otherwise, claiming the decision is a political one regarding abortion rights. Richards said in a statement that Komen had "succumbed to political pressure" and that she hoped they would reconsider and recommit to the partnership.
Fortunately, Planned Parenthood has created an emergency fund to offset the loss from Komen's departure.